A stuntwoman who sustained a head injury while on-set is having her emergency brain surgery covered by fans.
Dayna Grant is a world-renowned stuntwoman who’s worked on projects like “Wonder Woman,” “Xena: Warrior Princess,” and “Mad Max: Fury Road.” A head injury a couple of months ago resulted in a concussion, but it wasn’t until months later that her symptoms worsened. Grant ultimately went for an MRI, which revealed an 8mm aneurysm and upper spinal injuries.
Surgeons recommended immediate surgery, but New Zealand’s public health system had a minimum four-month waiting list. That’s when the campaign was launched to pay for private surgery, at a cost of about $60,000 (NZD).
Movie fans quickly surpassed that initial goal, and to date have raised more than $100,000.
“Help me help our dear friend, Xena Stuntwoman, [Dayna Grant] get emergency brain surgery after head injury on set for an upcoming project,” actress Lucy Lawless wrote on Twitter. “She has made actresses look cool on horseback and fighting… For every ‘Xena’ fan or ‘Ash vs. Evil Dead’ fan who donates, I will match you dollar for dollar till we get the job done. This woman deserves all the love.”
Grant has now been able to schedule the surgery for July 26 and says she’s “absolutely speechless” at all the love and support she’s received.
In addition to her surgery cost, Grant will also be able to receive physical and occupational therapy, which will help with her healing. The money will also reduce the stress of not being able to work for 6 months post-surgery.
